The main cliffline at Williamson River Cliffs is closed to all public access for cultural resource concerns. A final environmental assessment to consider a permanent closure or potential re-opening with appropriate restrictions is pending. Contact Mike Lawrence, Chiloquin District Ranger, at(541) 783-4020 for updates and comments.

Map of the closure area:

Closure area at Williamson River Cliffs

This information is a public crowdsourcing effort between the Access Fund,
and Mountain Project.You should confirm closures, restrictions, and/or related dates.

Description

It is predominantly a south-facing columnar basaltic crag, varying from 30 to 60 feet in height and straddling US Highway 97 between Bend and Klamath Falls. Traditionally protected leads and top roping abounds in this secluded roadside attraction. Some fixed anchors exist as well as a sprinkling of sport routes. Most climbs have been done AND led in a traditional manner. Some cracks have been bolted by fringe climber(s). Not cool here. Please respect first ascensionist... no new bolts, thanks. Documented climbing at least to early 1970s, but likely earlier. Has been called other names such as: Collier Park, Oax-Kanee Overlook, Spring Creek Cliffs, and Chiloquin climbing area.

Nice views of the geographically unique Klamath Basin and Mt Shasta on a clear day.

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-PLEASE NOTE=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- There may be "vision quest sites," constructed for individual or group ceremonies by the native tribes in the area. These would appear to a climber as a pyramidal-shaped cairn (stack of rocks). Please do not disturb these sites and show them the same respect that you show the crag. Although none exist at the crag at this time, they may be constructed (gathered) in the future. Again extend the same respect for a newly constructed stack as you would the crag itself.

Getting There

Traveling North from Klamath Falls on Hwy 97 North, you pass through Collier State Logging Museum and Park area and over the Williamson river. Directly ahead and above on the straight-away you can see the "Oax Kanee" overlook, a less popular area. About a mile north of the SP the road takes a right curve and ascends a hill. Near its crest it turns back left and continues ascending. At the top there is a dirt road off to the right. Take this. There are a number of pullouts and descent gullies. You are atop the crag here.

OR, continue on 97 North past that road and find the Oax Kanee overlook sign on the left. This is only a few hundred feet north of the previously described road. Take this left and explore the crags below the overlook.

A blocky start quickly turns into some spectacular jams for both hands and feet. The crux comes right before the bulge, but is very well protected. Once you make it through the crux you will find yourself on a large ledge with your choice of a short chimney or face to the bolted anchor....[more]Browse More Classics in OR